The chairman of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) Task Force, Harrison Jalla, raised concerns about the Super Eagles’ ability to make an impact in the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote D’Ivoire.
Jalla expressed his doubts about the team’s technical skills, stating that they had lost confidence after failing to achieve convincing results against teams such as Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
In a press conference held in Lagos, Jalla emphasized the need for immediate improvements to prevent a potential disaster for Nigeria at AFCON 2024. He criticized the current management of the team and highlighted the lack of progress since the appointment of Coach Jose Paseiro.
According to Jalla, both domestic and international talents are present in the Super Eagles squad, but what is missing is effective management and the ability to harness the team’s full potential. He expressed his disappointment with the team’s current state and the lack of a suitable coach and manager since the passing of Stephen Keshi.
Jalla specifically pointed out Coach Jose Paseiro’s supposed technical ineptitude, stating that he is not capable of transforming the team.
He noted “Paseiro’s tenure has been detrimental to the team’s performance, leading to a loss of self-esteem and struggles against teams like Guinea Bissau, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe”.
As Nigeria prepares for the prestigious AFCON tournament, the concerns raised by Harrison Jalla bring attention to the team’s performance and the importance of finding effective leadership to maximize the team’s potentials.